You have to acknowledge that something isn’t right. The question I want you to consider is: Why Chris Johnson isn’t being considered a legitimate Top 3 MVP candidate?
The answer is very simple: Image.
Chris Johnson has been the best back in the league this year. He has accounted for 2176 all-purpose yards and 13 TD’s. He is on pace to come very close to Dickerson’s rushing record. But Chris Johnson will not receive serious MVP recognition due to how is perceived publically.
Now let me go on record to saying that MVP awards really don’t mean much in pro sports. The average fan does not vote for MVP. It is up to the multitude of sports media personalities to make that decision. Lets take Lebron James for example. In my opinion, a lot of sports media people are sucking up to Lebron so they can have that same type of access that Ahmad Rashad had to Jordan. I often laugh at preseason picks for individual awards due to the amount of favoritism that occurs, especially in the NBA. Lebron could average 20 points and the Cavs could go 45-37, and some would still make a case for him winning the MVP. If Carmelo Anthony lead the league in scoring, and his Nuggets to a 2 seed in the West, they still would question him.
In the National Football League, Chris Johnson does not fit that superstar mold. Not that he doesnt have the talent and stats, but because of what he looks like and what people think he represents. I do not know what type of representation or managers he has on his staff but they need to consider this: Chris Johnson is a premiere back, but you would not know that unless you watched highlights. Where are his endorsements? You know people like Adrian Peterson because he is everywhere. When Ladanian Tomlinson was in his prime, you would see him everywhere. Even Ocho Cinco has discovered the art of attention. Chad will not bow nor break under the constant attention he receives. He has been listed as every negative term when it comes to an athlete, but at least his name carries.
When it comes to being a top-tier athlete, you have to consider your image, especially for those with young careers. Shaq has been outed as a sloppy cheater and groupie center to the leagues biggest stars. But his brand is strong enough to withstand such chinks in the armor. If Chris ever wants to be known like that, he needs to consider the value of his brand. Most people would see Chris Johnson in the middle of the street and think he is a thug. No I am not being racist, but stereotypes based on appearance are an unfortunate occurrence in our society. When Michael Vick was caught up, Im sure certain people around the league were relieved that he wouldn’t be the face of the league anymore. He was the antithesis of what America has known for the Quarterback position. Racism will forever exist, for some it will occur more subconsciously than others. America will have a difficult time adjusting to something they have never seen or even thought was possible. Just ask our President.
Lets consider the people are going to get the majority of the votes for MVP. Peyton Manning = Brand. Drew Brees = Growing brand. Brees does not have the endorsements Manning has, but you can tell they are positioning him to be one of the next faces of the League. Tom Brady is still a paparazzi target. They fit the mold. You could see their face on TV and most americans would consider them “safe” people. However, many of the same people who consider these guys safe would lock their car doors at a red light, if they saw Chris Johnson walking along the sidewalk.
Now let me reiterate. I don’t expect Johnson to win the MVP. But at least his team could be making a stronger case in attempts to building his brand. It is a shame that he is being mentioned as the best back in the game, and still doesn’t have the face recognition that he deserves.
You can call this article racist, but I call it reality. I am a huge fan of Chris Johnson. Chris has not been in any trouble, nor has he pulled any stunts that Vince Young has since he has been in the league. The difference between the two is image. Until Chris understands that his image and identity will open more doors, others will continue to treat him as if he is on the outside looking in.